The retractable leash, particularly for use with dogs, comprises a first handle 12, a leash 14 wound upon a spool, a rewind mechanism, a second, retractable pull handle 18 for manually retracting the leash and a mechanical coupling between the second handle and the spool for providing a second rewind mechanism for the leash. The rewind mechanism preferably comprises a spring which rewinds the spool. A control mechanism comprising a ratchet pawl which engages teeth on the spool may act in three modes, in which the spool may rotate in either direction, one direction or be locked. The second handle preferably acts on a second spool which is spring biased towards the first spool and a rotation lock which only allows relative rotation in one direction, the two spools being separated by a retaining mechanism in normal use. Also claimed is a method of operating a retractable leash.
